Education

University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota: 2000-2002Master of Arts in Education Minnesota Teaching License: Grades 5-8 General Science, 9-12 Life Science

College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota/St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota: 1995-1999Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Minor in Spanish; summa cum laude

About Me

Growing up in rural Minnesota, some of my fondest memories are of the hours spent "exploring" in the woods around my family home. This early connection to nature laid the groundwork for my love of science, asking questions, and learning about the world.

Despite the fact that our society is becoming increasingly technological, I believe that the general public still views science and math as subjects in which only a select group of students can succeed. This is a devastating misconception. The appropriate application of scientific processes is integral to making every-day decisions, regardless if one is considered a “scientist” or not. Not every student will eventually become an electrical engineer and design more efficient solar panels, but they will all have to make daily decisions about personal fossil fuel consumption. Very few students will have the opportunity to research new methods to combat cancer, but one in eight women have a chance of developing breast cancer and will someday have to make choices regarding their treatment. Understanding not only the subject of science, but also the process of science, will help our students analyze the day-to-day choices they make more closely. ​ Therefore, I believe whole-heartedly that every student who passes through my classroom should and will participate in science as not only a subject they learn during our time together, but also as a process that becomes a tool for them in experiencing the world. By learning through inquiry and understanding how the practice of science is unique in comparison with any other discipline, students will see the world in a different way, impacting the decisions they make in the future.